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I know, I know. I’ve been SLACKING on the gift guides! If you’re like me, you haven’t even freakin started shopping for your holiday gifts. So for all of you in my boat, I’ve compiled five of my favorites in an ‘Under 50,’ ‘Under 100,’ and even a ‘For Him’ category that way you can just order these things online today and still get them delivered in time for Christmas. Let’s get to my holiday gift guide for beauty 2017!
So if you follow me on Instagram, I shared on my stories yesterday that the biggest reason I’ve been kinda MIA on the blogging and social media front is that my husband and I decided to maybe go house hunting.
And by maybe go house hunting, I mean put in two offers on two different homes. Get into a bidding war on one.
Stress.
And wait.
Needless to say, my days have been spent scrolling through Realtor.com in a panic that we’re not making the right decision (or are we?) and pricing out mortgage payments, Googling new home decor inspo, and overall having an anxiety attack every day, every hour.
So now that it’s about 4 minutes before the holidays, let’s start shopping.
To keep this simple, I’ve picked about five items in each price point/category.
Buxom does NO wrong when it comes to holiday sets and this Plump, Pucker and Prowl* is NO different. In fact, it’s probably one of the best they’ve released yet!
I love that the three shades are all neutral tones ranging in-depth of color that should flatter literally everyone. It includes three of their new chunky lip pencils (with a lip brush on the end) and mini deluxe Full On Lip Cream in a corresponding shade.
The deepest combo is a rich, reddish chestnut-brown (a nice alternative to holiday reds), the middle tones are a neutral rose, and the lightest is a soft warm peach/nude. EVERYONE IS HAPPY HERE!
Next up is my FAVORITE fragrance brand of 2017: DefineMe.
They recently released their signature fragrances as roll-ons* (Delphine, Clara) and expanded the line to include oil-infused hair fragrances* (Delphine, Clara).
Sometimes fragrance can be hard to pick for someone else, but if you pick Delphine or Clara, I swear no one will be upset about it. They’re universally pleasing, light and clean scents that I have not stopped wearing for months.
You have heard me talk about Pixi Beauty a lot over the last year and on Instagram, but the holiday sets are perfect for stocking stuffers! I love the Best of Bright set which includes the Glow Tonic and Glow Mud Cleanser (two I’ve LOVED this year).
Next up is any of the Marc Jacobs Eye-Conic palettes (although I’m a fan of the Glambition used here).
These shadows are pigmented, creamy, never go muddy and just wear throughout the day like a dream. The packaging is sleek and sophisticated and they make beautiful gifts.
Lastly is one that is currently $52, BUT if you get it at Sephora before 12/15 and you’re a Beauty Insider, VIB or Rouge, you can get it for $27-37 if you’ve saved your Holiday Bonus coupon.
The Bobbi Brown Holiday Glow highlighter trio is stunning. I used it yesterday at my local Sephora and had to convince at least three shoppers to get it as a gift for their loved ones because it’s so universally flattering. BONUS: can be used as eyeshadow, also.
Getting into the real fancy stuff, let’s start with this SUPER LUXE cleansing balm… because EVERYONE should be washing their makeup off.
The Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm* is the epitome of heaven at your bathroom sink. The spa-like scent is immediately calming and the thick, creamy texture is a joy to massage into the skin and break down all of your makeup. Includes a muslin cloth to rinse. Simply perfection.
Back to more accessible brands, Buxom strikes again with this magical Lips off Leash set* of 15 cream and shimmer plumping glosses. Split these up into stocking stuffers or office gifts for everyone, or keep it intact for added impact.
2018 is the year of the gloss, guys. It’s coming back BIG TIME and Buxom’s glosses are my favorite!
A holiday gift guide would not be complete for me if it did not include a little Charlotte Tilbury. I love that she’s paired her lipsticks with her lip pencils and a universally flattering shade is her lipstick in Pillow Talk with her Pillow Talk Lip Pencil.
The luxe, weighty rose gold metal packaging will make your giftee feel extra special when she uses these lip products.
Next up is a pleasant surprise palette: Urban Decay Naked Heat (review + demo here). The warm tones flatter nearly everyone and this palette always turns out a pretty look for me. Bonus if your giftee has green or brown eyes. It will look extra fierce on them.
Lastly is the Harry Josh Pro Hair Dryer* (my 1 over $100 sorry! too good to not include) I featured on my YouTube channel. If your loved one has long or thick hair, this will be her most cherished gift. My YouTube video tells you everything you need to know. This dryer is magical. It dries my hair in HALF the time of my OG Conair and leaves is smooth and silky.
For the guy in your life that enjoys a little self-care, let me introduce my husband’s #1 anti-aging moisturizer: Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream Ultra Rich Moisturizer*. This was gifted to me twice from Elemis, and although it’s a bit too heavy for me, my husband’s dry skin soaks it up and he always tells me how much he loves how this makes his skin feel (especially in the cold winter months).
Bonus that it’s not in girlie packaging!
For fragrance, you cannot go wrong with Viktor and Rolf Spicebomb or Dior Sauvage.
When I work in Sephora as a freelancer, I cannot tell you how many guys of all ages get samples of, or buy the full sizes of these two scents.
As a lady, I also think they smell incredible and have gifted both to my brother and husband through the years.
If you prefer gifting apparel/accessories, Old Navy has amazing deals all the time, but I personally think their men’s selections are even better quality than their women’s line. Pick up a couple of these Old Navy heavyweight thermals – perfect for layering or on their own.
Another pick is great for your brother or as a stocking stuffer – enter this functional yet manly winter hat from Target.
Alright! I hope these picks were helpful in online shopping for the loved ones in your life. Obviously, I own MOST of these myself so they’re tried and tested personally.
What are some items you’re planning on gifting this year? Let me know in the comments!
-Steffanie
